UMS, UIM Alumnus Explore Global Collaboration in Tafsir and Hadith

Department of Al-Quran and Tafsir (IQT) of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI), Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), welcomed an academic courtesy visit from alumni of the Islamic University of Madinah (UIM), Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday (16/7/2025). The one-hour meeting, held in the first-floor meeting room of FAI UMS, marked an important moment in the internationalization efforts of the IQT program.

During the visit, the UIM delegation expressed their interest in establishing academic collaboration with the IQT program, particularly in the fields of Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir), hadith studies, and Islamic studies (dirasat Islamiyah). This collaboration would include various forms of scholarly cooperation such as joint publications, guest lectures, and the development of internationally-oriented curricula.

“We warmly welcome this visit as part of our efforts toward becoming a leading program with an international reputation,” said Dr. Kharis Nugroho, Lc., M.Ud., Head of the IQT Program, in an interview on Tuesday (5/8/2025).Kharis explained that key points discussed in the meeting included exchanging ideas to strengthen the quality of Islamic education, training in Middle Eastern teaching methodologies, and establishing a joint research forum. The guests also offered opportunities for joint teaching and visiting scholar programs.

Head of the UMS IQT, Dr. Kharis Nugroho, Lc., M.Ud. (second from left), welcomed a delegation from the UIM, Saudi Arabia, on July 16, 2025.

The UIM delegation included Dr. Ahmad Saleh al-Naqib (head of delegation), Dr. Yaser Saleh Mahfoudh Bakhbazy, Dr. Samir bin Yusuf, and Sheikh Samih al-Yamani, scholars in Al-Qur’an studies with extensive experience in international Islamic education.

Representing UMS were Dr. Kharis Nugroho, Dr. Hakimuddin Salim, M.A. (Lecturer of Islamic Education and Director of Ma’had Abu Bakar UMS), and Asrizal Mustofa, Lc., M.A. (Lecturer at the Department of Al-Qur’an and Tafsir). The meeting was marked by intensive discussions that produced several concrete plans for follow-up action.

“Although this is the first official visit by a UIM team to the IQT Department, there had already been individual communications as a prelude to cooperation,” Kharis noted.

He emphasized that a partnership with a prestigious Islamic institution like UIM is highly relevant to enhancing the quality and international recognition of the IQT Department. According to him, such global networks can serve as a vital accelerator for achieving the department’s vision.

As a follow-up, the IQT Department at UMS will prepare a formal cooperation proposal to be submitted to the university. The proposed cooperation framework will be adjusted to align with UMS institutional regulations to ensure optimal and sustainable implementation.

It is expected that this international collaboration will have a positive impact on enhancing the quality of education, teaching, and research in the field of Qur’anic and Tafsir studies.

Writer: Yusuf Ismail

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid